Wieża Torre Dello Standardo z lewej
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Torre dello Standardo

4.8
·11 reviews·Mdina, Malta

Mdina, Malta's ancient 'Silent City,' captivates with its medieval charm, historic architecture, and serene atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy peace

CrowdLow
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Wieża Torre Dello Standardo z lewej

Torre dello Standardo

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Mdina, Malta's ancient 'Silent City,' captivates with its medieval charm, historic architecture, and serene atmosphere.

4.8
(11 reviews)

"Wander through ancient, car-free alleys with stunning architecture and a unique, peaceful atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive early for quiet

Beat the crowds by visiting Mdina early in the morning for a truly peaceful experience.

👟 Comfortable walking shoes

Cobblestone streets are beautiful but uneven; wear comfy shoes for exploring Mdina.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Torre dello Standardo

Torre dello Standardo

Mdina City Gate

Historic tower guarding Mdina's entrance, now a tourist info hub. A glimpse into Malta's past!

Mdina's Silent Streets

Mdina's Silent Streets

Mdina Old City

Wander through ancient, car-free alleys with stunning architecture and a unique, peaceful atmosphere.

Door Knockers of Mdina

Door Knockers of Mdina

Mdina Residential Doors

Discover the intricate and varied door knockers adorning Mdina's historic homes – a unique artistic detail.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Mdina

Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, can get busy. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. The Torre dello Standardo, located right at the city gate, is a great starting point for exploring the 'Silent City'.

Navigating Mdina's Charm

Mdina is a pedestrian-friendly city, perfect for leisurely strolls. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring cobblestone streets. The Torre dello Standardo itself offers valuable tourist information to help you plan your exploration of this historic gem.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

August in Torre Faro #messina #torrefaro
@enjoysicily.org
1.1K likes • 14.2K views

🎯 Arrive early for quiet

Beat the crowds by visiting Mdina early in the morning for a truly peaceful experience. TikTok

👟 Comfortable walking shoes

Cobblestone streets are beautiful but uneven; wear comfy shoes for exploring Mdina. Instagram

Ancient tower and house in Mdina 🇲🇹 . . #mdina #mdinamalta #mdinathesilentcity #torredellostandardo #tower #malta #maltaphotography #maltagram #visitmalta #maltaisland #malta🇲🇹 #oldtown #island #meditteranean #europe
lukacdc
362 likes • 0 views
Torre Dello Standardo in Mdina is a tower built between 1725 and 1726 by the Knights of Malta! 😍 Today is houses as one of Malta's tourist offices 😀🇲🇹 ▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️ 𝙲𝙷𝙴𝙲𝙺 𝙾𝚄𝚃 𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝙶𝙰𝙻𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚈 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝙼𝙾𝚁𝙴 𝙿𝙷𝙾𝚃𝙾𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙼𝙰𝙻𝚃𝙰 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙶𝙾𝚉𝙾 📸 ▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️ Follow Our Instagram Account: @maltainfoguide 📸 We have a website about Malta for all people wanting to visit or find information ♥️ Click the link in the bi...
maltainfoguide
277 likes • 0 views

ℹ️ Tourist info at the gate

The Torre dello Standardo provides helpful maps and info for your Mdina visit. Instagram

🚪 Admire unique door knockers

Look out for the diverse and artistic door knockers on Mdina's historic homes. Reddit

TORRE DELLO STANDARDO. Torre dello Standardo (it-Torri tal-Istandard or Tower of the Standard) was constructed in Mdina by the Order of St. John between 1725-26. The tower was built on the site of a medieval watchtower, known as Torre Mastra (damaged significantly by the 1693 Sicily Earthquake), as part of the defences of Mdina and to enable communication with other parts of the island. Torre dell...
historicmalta
47 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive early for quiet

Beat the crowds by visiting Mdina early in the morning for a truly peaceful experience. TikTok

👟 Comfortable walking shoes

Cobblestone streets are beautiful but uneven; wear comfy shoes for exploring Mdina. Instagram

ℹ️ Tourist info at the gate

The Torre dello Standardo provides helpful maps and info for your Mdina visit. Instagram

🚪 Admire unique door knockers

Look out for the diverse and artistic door knockers on Mdina's historic homes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mdina for its breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and unique, tranquil atmosphere. The Torre dello Standardo is noted as a helpful starting point. Some find the city can become crowded during peak hours, and dining options within the walls can be expensive.

"Great museum, great guides, very informative!"

Teddy Rabbetts

"Beautiful tower, right as you pass the Mdina gate and enter the city!"

Kostis Katsirntakis

"The Torre dello Standardo was built on the site of the medieval tower, Torre Mastra, Sicilian, Turri Mastra or the Torre de la Bandiera, Turri dila Bandiera. Like many other medieval buildings, it was significantly damaged during the Sicilian earthquake of 1693.

The Torre Mastra was demolished in March 1725, in Maltese, It-Torri tal-Istandard and built by the Order of Saint John between 1725 and 1726, to be replaced by the Torre dello Standardo, to the designs of the French engineer Charles François de Mondion, as part of a project to rebuild the entrance to Mdina during the magistracy of Master António Manoel de Vilhena. It was completed in July 1726.

During the Maltese Uprising of 1798 and against the French occupation of Malta, the towers housed Maltese, Neapolitan and Portuguese flags. It remained as a signal tower until the first periods of British domination.

Today it is in good condition and receives cultural events and tourist information."

Eugenio Moreno Blazquez

What People Like

Stunning historical architecture
Peaceful, silent atmosphere
Beautiful panoramic views

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Expensive dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Mdina easily by bus from Valletta. Several bus routes, like the 51, 52, and 53, go directly to Mdina's main gate. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes. Reddit Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, offering a more direct but pricier option.

Yes, there is a public car park just outside the Mdina city walls. It's convenient for those driving to Mdina, though it can fill up during peak season. Reddit

Mdina is accessible by public transport and car. While it's not typically a walking destination from other major towns due to distance, once inside, it's entirely walkable. Instagram

Mdina is a pedestrian-only city, so the best way to explore is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are ancient and cobblestoned. Instagram

While many parts of Mdina are accessible, some ancient cobblestone streets and steps can be challenging for wheelchairs. The Torre dello Standardo and main paths are generally manageable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry into the historic city of Mdina itself is free. You can wander through its streets without a ticket. Instagram

The Torre dello Standardo primarily serves as a tourist information center and is generally free to access for information. Specific exhibitions or events held within might have separate charges. Instagram

Mdina is always open as it's a living city. However, individual shops, museums, and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late afternoon or evening. Reddit

To experience Mdina's tranquility, visit early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4 PM). Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. TikTok

Yes, numerous guided tours are available, offering insights into Mdina's rich history and architecture. You can book these in advance or often find guides near the city gate. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the silent streets, visit St. Paul's Cathedral, discover the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, and enjoy panoramic views from the city walls. Don't miss the unique door knockers! Reddit

The Torre dello Standardo is a historic tower built between 1725-1726 by the Knights of Malta. It now houses a tourist information office and is a key landmark at Mdina's entrance. Instagram+1

The 'knockers' refer to the decorative and often elaborate door knockers found on the historic wooden doors throughout Mdina. They are a unique artistic feature of the city. Reddit

Absolutely! Mdina offers incredible photographic opportunities with its ancient architecture, narrow alleys, and stunning vistas. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. Instagram

Mdina was the ancient capital of Malta for centuries and has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years, with influences from Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and the Knights of St. John. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Mdina has several charming restaurants and cafes, offering a range of Maltese and international cuisine. Many provide beautiful views or unique historical settings. Reddit

Traditional Maltese food includes dishes like Pastizzi (savory pastries), Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew (Fenkata), and various hearty stews and pasta dishes. Reddit

You can find cafes and pastizzerias in and around Mdina offering snacks like pastizzi, sandwiches, and pastries, perfect for a quick bite while exploring. Reddit

While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options like pastizzerias or cafes for lighter meals. Packing your own snacks is also an option. Reddit

Several restaurants offer stunning views from the city walls, overlooking the Maltese countryside. Check out Fontanella Tea Garden for popular panoramic views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Key spots include the main gate, the narrow winding alleys, St. Paul's Cathedral, the city walls for panoramic views, and the unique door knockers. Instagram

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating a warm, golden glow and fewer crowds. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers like Mdina to preserve the atmosphere and for safety reasons. Check local regulations before flying. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide shots of alleys and details. A wide-angle lens is useful for the narrow streets. Instagram

Be respectful when photographing people. It's best to ask for permission, especially if you're focusing on individuals. Street scenes with people in them are generally fine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mdina offers a magical experience for families. The car-free streets make it safe for children to explore, and the historical setting sparks imagination. Visiting the Torre dello Standardo at the entrance can provide maps and context for younger minds. Consider a visit to the Mdina Dungeons for a more interactive, albeit slightly spooky, historical experience. Reddit

Pack plenty of water and snacks, as dining options inside can be pricier. Look for cafes with outdoor seating where kids can move around a bit more. The panoramic views from the city walls are also a hit with children, offering a sense of adventure and discovery. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Mdina is an excellent destination for budget travelers as entry into the city is free. Focus your exploration on wandering the streets, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the views from the ramparts. The Torre dello Standardo provides free tourist information. InstagramReddit

To save money on food, opt for a traditional pastizzi from a local bakery outside the main tourist areas or pack your own picnic to enjoy on the city walls. While guided tours can be informative, you can also explore independently using online resources or free maps from the tourist office. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Torre dello Standardo

The Torre dello Standardo stands as a significant historical marker at the entrance to Mdina. It was constructed between 1725 and 1726 by the Order of St. John, replacing a much older medieval watchtower known as Torre Mastra. This older tower had suffered considerable damage during the devastating Sicily earthquake of 1693. The new tower was designed by the French engineer Charles François de Mondion as part of a larger project to fortify and rebuild the entrance to Mdina during the magistracy of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. Instagram

During periods of conflict, such as the Maltese Uprising of 1798 against the French occupation, the tower played a role in communication and defense, housing various flags. It continued to function as a signal tower into the early British period. Today, the Torre dello Standardo is well-preserved and serves a dual purpose: it acts as a vital tourist information center, offering visitors guidance for exploring Mdina, and it also hosts cultural events, making it a living part of the city's heritage. InstagramReddit

Exploring Mdina: The Silent City

Mdina, often referred to as the 'Silent City,' is a fortified medieval town that served as Malta's capital for centuries. Its history spans over 4,000 years, with layers of Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, Aragonese, and Knights of St. John influence evident in its architecture. The city's strategic hilltop location and imposing fortifications have protected it through various eras. Reddit

Walking through Mdina is like stepping back in time. Its narrow, winding streets, adorned with beautiful old buildings, churches, and palaces, create an atmosphere of profound peace and history. The absence of cars within the city walls contributes significantly to its tranquil ambiance, making it a unique experience for visitors. TikTokInstagram Key landmarks include St. Paul's Cathedral, the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, and the bastions offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The distinctive door knockers on many of the ancient doors are a charming detail that many visitors enjoy discovering. Reddit

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